Nigeria U-18 Handball Team Beat Côte d’Ivoire, Edge Closer to World Championship Qualification
Nigeria’s U-18 Men’s Handball team moved a step closer to qualifying for the 2027 IHF Men’s U-19 Handball World Championship after defeating hosts Côte d’Ivoire 31-26 in the 5th–8th placement match of the 22nd Africa Men’s Youth Handball Championship in Abidjan on Monday.
The Coach Abdulhakim Yakubu-tutored side led 13-11 at halftime before maintaining their advantage in the second half to secure a five-goal victory over the host nation.
Simon Abaaka was voted the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of the match for his impressive performance.
Nigeria will now face the winner of the other 5th–8th placement match between Cameroon and Rwanda in a decisive encounter.
Victory in that match will see Nigeria finish fifth at the continental championship and earn one of Africa’s five qualification tickets to the 2027 IHF Men’s U-19 Handball World Championship.
The Nigerian youngsters therefore need just one more victory to complete their qualification mission and secure a place at the global championship.
